Ecuador Bound

The rationing of electricity in Ecuador is only temporary until next Saturday.

According to The Wall Street Journal: “Ecuador on Thursday started rationing electricity for between two and six hours a day until Saturday…”

After Saturday, the Ecuadorian government will decide whether to continue with the rationing mandate, depending on the gravity of the situation.

The use of rationing electricity started yesterday by the people of Ecuador. A drought in the southern Andes of Ecuador has led, in recent weeks, to a “drastic reduction” in the flow volume of water entering the reservoir of the hydroelectric plant of Paute.

These measures are seemingly only for a limited time, however, as they are scheduled only to be undergone up until next Saturday. The lack of water that is used to fuel the hydro electric plant is what is causing this major issue to take effect.

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This is just another example of our depleting resources across the globe and ways we can counteract with some sort of solution. In Venezuela they had had a lower amount of water in their reservoirs also, and I had read that they were requested to take “3 minute” showers to help this situation out. The capital city of Caracas began rationing electricity and water in recent weeks. In Florida, where my mother lives, she can only water her grass on certain days of the week and at certain times of the day.

I have enacted a rule in my house for the use/abuse of water in the toilet to: “If it is yellow — let it mellow & if it is brown — flush it down.” Now, I know that may be a familiar term to some of you, I stole it from a movie, I think it was “Meet the Fockers.” I also watch myself washing the dishes, I turn the volume of water down. I also do my part with the washing machine & only do full loads and wash in cold when I can. When brushing my teeth I try to remember to turn the water off in-between my toothbrush rinsing.

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If you have some other good ideas on how we can save water place a comment below for others to see.

TIME ZONE: GMT minus 5 hours on mainland Ecuador and GMT minus 6 hours in the Galapagos Islands. Daylight Savings Time is not used in Ecuador.

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COUNTRY CALLING CODE: +593 + city code.

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LANGUAGE: The main language spoken is Spanish, followed by Quechua and then 20 or so other indiginous variations.

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REGIONS: Ecuador is basically divided into four unique regions. They are called different names depending on who you are talking to. They are:

• The Pacific Coast (La Costa)
• The Andes or Sierra (La Sierrra)
• The Amazon Rainforest or El Oriente (Amazonia) and
• The Galapagos Islands (Galapagos)

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RELIGION: Ecuador Religion can be defined as a secular in nature because the country of Ecuador practices freedom of worship, as mandated by The Ecuadorian Constitution of 1998. The dominant religion in Ecuador is Catholic. During the many festivals in Ecuador the indiginous people also parade their religions alongside of the Catholic traditions.

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MONEY: The official money used in Ecuador is the American Dollar (USD). The bills are the same as those used in the United States but the coins are printed in Ecuador with the images of historical personalities in Ecuador. They are the same in size, weight, etc. but they are only valid within the territory of Ecuador.

Additionally, Ecuador, at the time of dollarization, issued centavo coins. These coins are issued in denominations of 1, 5, 10, 25, 50 and $1. These are equal in value to the U.S. coins. The $1 centavo coin is commonly used.

ATM’s are found in most towns and cities and in some remote areas as well. Just be sure you pay attention to the logos on the ATM terminal to check which companies service it such as Pulse ATM or Cirrus ATM. This is common in the States. Also, for added protection please note that the safest ATM’s are those that are found inside shopping centers and in front of actual banks themselves.

Credit and debit cards are used heavily, with some surcharge, and Traveler’s Checks are accepted at the banks for a surcharge as well.

If you are going to do a bank transfer note that it takes at least 3 working days.

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WEATHER: The weather and climate of Ecuador depends on where you are. As a general rule: The climate is tropical along the Pacific Coast, becoming cooler inland at higher elevations such as in The Sierra; and back to tropical in the Amazonian jungle lowlands (Oriente).

I have included a weather widget for each of the 3 largest cities for your convience:

Forecast for Cuenca

Forecast for Guayaquil

Forecast for Quito

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TAXES: 12% VAT and 10% service in most hotels and restaurants. Be sure to ask if this tax is already included in the bill, most are, but some are not.

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ELECTRIC CURRENT: 110/AC. So bring along your small electric appliances like shavers and hair dryers. NOTE: It is good to bring, or buy, a 3-pronged adapter as some of the outlets are the old style and don’t accomodate the newer 3-pronged connectors.

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HEALTH RISKS: No vaccinations are needed to enter Ecuador. As with any tropical country around the world there is a risk of malaria, as in certain areas of the Amazon and the Coast. Discuss these issues with your local Dr. or Health Department.

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EXPORT PRODUCTS: Oil, bananas, shrimp, fish, flowers, coffee, wooden products, etc.

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YOUR SAFETY: The safest way to carry money is a money belt worn under clothing. As in most touristy locals, pickpockets can spot a traveler a mile away. Also keep spare cash in a separate purse or wallet for easy access. This actually helps out in the event you do get pickpocketed, as the theif will NOT get all your money and won’t suspect he hasn’t gotten it!

Remember to leave your documents and valuables in a safety deposit box in your hotel (most hotels will accomodate this need). You just need to carry the copy of your passport. I have heard make sure the copies are in color (never leave without at least that).

Unfortunately, a general rule of thumb is don’t take busses and chances at night. After 6 p.m. it’s best to call a taxi from the hotel or restaurant for evening visits to the city or going out for dinner. Avoid walking the streets after dark also, unless you are not in the city and have the go ahead from people who know the area.